Annual health check-up 2026: Which examinations are required at which age?
Regular check-ups are the foundation for a healthy life. They help to identify risks early, prevent diseases, and maintain quality of life. From 2026, preventive care will become even more digital, personalized, and precise—thanks to electronic patient records, AI-supported risk analysis, and individually tailored screening intervals. But which examinations are advisable at which age?
👶 0–12 years: Child and adolescent health
In the first years of life , development is the primary focus . Pediatricians regularly check growth, motor skills, speech, vision, and hearing. Vaccinations protect against infectious diseases, and dental checkups ensure healthy teeth.
Recommended precautions:
- U1–U9 + J1: Developmental checks
- Check vaccination status annually
- Eye test & hearing test
- Dental check-up twice a year
🧑🎓 13–29 years: Youth & early adulthood
With puberty , lifestyle, stress, and mental health become a focus. Many chronic diseases don't yet manifest at this stage, but initial risk factors can develop. Regular checkups help to identify problems early and establish healthy habits.
Important precautions:
- General health check every 2 years
- Dental check-ups twice a year
- Skin cancer screening in case of risk factors
- Vaccinations (HPV, tetanus, Covid-19 etc.)
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections if needed
🧑💼 30–39 years: Early risk prevention
Now, the first silent risk factors can become apparent: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, or being overweight. Preventive checkups help to detect these early. Women should attend gynecological checkups, and men should consider prostate cancer screening.
Recommended checks:
- Blood pressure annually
- Blood sugar & cholesterol every 3 years
- Skin cancer screening from age 35
- BMI & Metabolic Control
- Mental health & stress management
👨👩👧 40–49 years: Early detection becomes central
From the age of 40, the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic illnesses increases. In addition to routine check-ups, targeted screenings become more important. Eye health, hearing, and hormonal changes should be monitored.
Recommended precautions:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar regularly
- ECG in case of risk factors
- Intraocular pressure & vision tests
- Colon cancer screening depending on risk
- Prostate cancer screening (men)
- Gynecological check-ups (women)
🎯 50–59 years: Prevention & Screening
At this age, early cancer detection and heart health become increasingly important. Regular checkups now allow for the early detection and often prevention of diseases.
Recommended checks:
- Colorectal cancer screening (stool test or colonoscopy)
- Mammography screening every 2 years (women aged 50–69)
- Bone density in risk factors
- Vascular screening & heart health
- Blood pressure, blood sugar & cholesterol regularly
🧓 60+ years: Maintaining quality of life
In old age, the focus is on maintaining mobility, independence, and mental fitness . Hearing and vision tests, dementia screenings, and cardiovascular checkups become particularly important.
Recommended precautions:
- Annual cardiovascular check
- Hearing and vision tests
- Bone density & osteoporosis screening
- Memory & dementia tests
- Medication check & lifestyle advice
✅ Conclusion
Preventive care is an investment in the future. Those who take advantage of the recommended checkups, tailored to their age, can detect illnesses early, minimize risks, and stay healthy longer. It's worthwhile to actively plan for your health – regardless of age.
